Sorting machine



Feb. 4, 1941. E A, FORD 2,230,680

soRTING MACHINE Filed March ll, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet l A TT ORNEYS.

Feb. 4, 1941.

FIG. 24.

F IG. 3.`

E. A. FORD SORTING MACHINE Filed March l1, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 l2 306 J.DOE rl I n u l a 5 I U 6 n D 7 a I] I u 2657323 S. LEYINUWITZ ll I1 III c D Il l Illl 'v 2 I] [lI I! a I] II ll 5 l] Ill] l s IJ l 7 I] l a I1 l B Il INVENTOR ATTQRNEY 1 E. A.y FORD 2,230,680

soRTING MACHINE Feb. 4, 1941.

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 11, 1938 ATTORNEYS.

E. A. FORD SORTING MACHINE Feb. 4, 1941.

6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March l1, 1958 [lll ATTORNEYS.

i@ @p @@QQ@ 6E @u @D FIG. 7.

Feb. 4, 194.1.Y E, A, FORD y 2,230,680

soRTING MACHINE" Fi1ed March 11, 1958 e sheets-sheet 5 FIG. 11.

Feb. 4, 1941. E. A. FORD SORTING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 1l, 1938 .Q @EY Patented Feb. 4, 1941 UNITED STATES SORTING MACHINE Eugene Amzi Ford, Scarsdale, N. Y., assignor to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application March 11, 1938, Serial No. 195,240

7 Claims.

This invention relates -to machines adapted for sorting record cards used in accounting systems.

The record cards represent data by means of differentially located perforations therein, the value and character of the information conveyed by each perforation being dependent on its 1o- Vcation on the card. 'I'he function of the sorting machine is to sense the perforatons of a stack of cards and thereby sort or classify them into groups as desired by the operator, to make available pertinent data which may then be computed and recorded.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism adapted for a wide variety of sorting work. The sorting devices disclosed are designed to sort according to digit perforations in a single column, according to the length of a name or number represented by perforations, and according to multi-column selection of a plural ordered number, all without changes other than the selective operation of switches and placement of plug wiring for securing the results desired.

An important object of the invention is the provision of means capable of sorting for a plura1 ordered number and at the same time sorting for digits in a column inside or outside the record area in which said number appears. For example, all records perforated to represent a plural ordered number such. as 386 may be separated from the other records at the same time that digit sorting iscarried on with relation to one order of the number. If then, the units order controls digit sorting, a vrecord representing 133 goes to the 3 pocket; record 389 goes to the 9 pocket; record 486 goes to the 6 pocket; and at the same time all multi-column selected records bearing the number 386' go to the "12 pocket. In the same manner, groups of selected records may be sent to the 12 pocket at the same time that other records are sorted according to the digits represented thereon. For example, cards representing 5-9 may be .grouped while cards representingl 1, 2, 3 or 4 may be sorted separately; or cards representing 400 to 599 may be grouped while records containing hundreds digits other than 4 or `5 may be sorted separately. In otherv modes of operation, digit sorting and multiple column selection may each be performed alone, orboth maybe performed together with reference to diiferent portions of the records. i

It is another object oi the invention to provide improved devices for sorting according to the length of a name or number. Notice may be drawn t0 the fact that a name increases in length to the right, while a number extends towards the left as it is made larger. The disclosed length sorting control devices may be connected to 5 sense any portion of the records and to sense length of. data in that portion in either direction.

A feature of the invention is the provision of a sensing brush for every column of the record cards and contact members extending from each brush adapted to receive two connections for control in digit or length sorting. A pair of thin plates are in contact with each insulated brush holder, and these plates are formed 'with two sets 15 of extensions arranged as knife switches receptive to one contact blade for digit sorting and another contact blade for control of length sorting.

Another object of this invention is the provi- 20 sion of a movable column selector with a knife switch blade winch may be brought into contact with any one of eighty brush switches, each of which relates to a column sensing brush for controlling sorting. l 25 An object of the invention is the provision of a multi-column numeral selection plate with a plurality of columns of switches, each switch operable to set up a sorting control digit in a related denominational order. Each switch is` piv- 30 oted and fitted with a linger piece which' may be rotated to establish an electrical connection.

Another feature of the present invention is the novel construction of the sorting blade operating devices. The blades are mounted dependently so that the bottom blade may hold up all others, and any other blade when supported holds up all other blades above it, While the unsupported lower blades remain lowered to open a sorting is lifted, if the predetermined multi-column number is sensed, the lowest made (the 12 pocket 5 blade) is lifted and all'other dependent blades. including the preselected digit blade, are held up while the card is directed into' the 12 pocket. Further objects of the instant invention reside in any novel feature of construction or op- 55- eration or novel combination of parts present in the embodiment of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings whether within or without the scope of the appended claims and irrespective of other specific statements as to the scope of the invention contained herein.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation view of the card feeding and sensing end of the sorting machine.

Fig. 2 shows a card perforated to represent short numbers and names.

Fig. 3 shows a card representing a long number and a long name.

Fig. 4 is a perspective View of the front ends of the sorting blades.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the movable column selection contact frame and the length selection plugboard.

Fig. 6 is an elevation view of the card sensing brushes showing the knife switch construction of the column selector.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a portion of the switch board containing the multi-column digit selection switches.

Fig. 8 is a detailed view of one of the digit selection switches.

Fig. 9 is an elevation of a pair of the length sorting control relays.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the unit containing the sorting control magnets and the mechanism controlled thereby to operate the sorting blades.

Fig. 11 is a sectional elevation View of the sorting control unit.

Fig. 12 is a wiring diagram of the wiring connections in the machine.

'Ihe perforated cards 8 and 8a shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are the kinds of records to be sorted by the machine of the present invention. In Fig. 2 it is seen that twelve index point positions are provided in each vertical column of the eighty columns of the record. The records are to be sorted according to the location of the perforations therein. For ordinary digit sorting, ther index points of a certain column are sensed and the card is directed into one of thirteen sorting pockets according to the location of the perforation in said column; the extra reject pocket is provided to receive unpunched cards.

When sorting according to the length of a name or number, the vertical location of the perforations in the columns is not a. controlling factor; the control is then exercised according to the number of columns found with perforations of any digital value. Cards with any number of columns punched, from zero to twelve columns, are sorted into thirteen pockets. It is noted that the number perforated on the card 8a of Fig. 3 is longer than the number 386 punched in card 8 of Fig. 2, also that the direction in which the large number extends is towards the left. 'I'he perforations representing the long nameon card 8a extend toward the right in the direction opposite to .the extension of the large number. The controls of the present machine are made flexible to be plugged to sense length of data in either direction.

Where it is known that a certain number' appears a large number of times in a group of cards, time is saved by sorting the cards carrying saidnumber into the "12 pocket at the same time that the other cards are sorted separately according to digits. For' such multi-column or certainnumber selection, switches are provided to set up the series of digits comprising the number. For example, in multi-column selection of cards such as card 8a (Fig. 3), seven switches are set to sense the perforations representing number 2657923 and control the direction of cards 8a into the l2 pocket.

Referring to Fig. 1, it may be pointed out that much of the framework and general operating controls disclosed therein are described in detail in Patent 1,969,362. The machine includes a base I supporting thirteen cards receiving pockets 3 separately identified and arranged as follo-ws from left to right All the numeral designated pockets are related to the twelve index point positions in a column on the card. When the machine is set to sort the cards under control of a particular column, a perforation in one of the twelve positions in the column will cause that card to be sorted into the corresponding pocket. A card having no perforation in the column controlling sorting will be fed to the R or reject pocket.

The machine is driven by an electric motor which is connected to the main driving shaft I6. This shaft is connected to sets of card feeding rollers I1 and also to a shaft I8 on which is iixecl a cam I9 adapted to move an arm 20 against the action of springs ZI. 'The arm is pivoted at 22 and is connected at the upper end to a plate 23 provided with a card picker 24. The cam I9 moves the picker toward the left and the spring 2|, acting against the arm 20, moves the picker back toward the right. Each movement of the picker to the left causes the lowermost card 8 in the stack to be moved forward into cooperation with the rst set of feed rollers I1. These rollers then feed the card to the next set of rollers. As the card is* being fed from the first to the second set of rollers, it passes under a line of eighty sensing brushes I4, one for each column of index points on the record card. In passing from the second to the third set of rollers, the edge of the card encounters the right hand ends 5 of a plurality of guide blades 4 which are mounted across the tops of the pockets and serve to form paths to the separate pockets. The rollers continue to feed the card :across the machine until it drops into one of the several sorting pockets 3.

The sensing brushes I4 (Fig. 1) are guided and separated by a notched insulation roller 29 above a contact roller 28 with which the brushes contact when perforations are sensed in the cards. Each brush I4 (Fig. 6) projects from a separate holder 30 which is embedded in an insulation bar 3| attached to a rectangular. supporting bar 32 which extends across the machine and is attached to the side frames 33 and 34. The holders are spaced at regular intervals corresponding tothe columnar arrangement of the index points on the cards.

Extending rearwardly from each holder 30 (Fig. 5) is a blade 35 which passes between the flared ends 36 of a pair of contact strips 31 embedded in an insulation base plate 42. There are eighty such pairs of strips 31, one pair for each brush and brush holder, the purpose being to extend the area in which plug connections may be made to the brushes. Blade and vends 36 form a knife switch connection which is maintained as long as the strip plate 42 is held on the supporting bars 43 xed in the side frames. 'Ihis type of construction makes it easy to assemble and remove the strip extension unit because it is free of wire connections.

In additionvto the flared ends 36, each pair of strips 31 is formed with two other sets of ared knife switch extensions such as 38 and 38 to provide ready connections to the relatedy brush.

lso

The second set of strips 31, Fig. 5, is provided with switch extensions 40 and 4| which are not aligned with the similar extensions 38 and 38 on the rst pair of strips. In Fig. 5 it is noted that the extensions 38 and 40 of alternate pairs of stripsv 31 are displaced so that the switches are arranged in a staggered formation. The other extensions 38 and 4| are also out of line as are the others of the 'rst six switches which are ar- `ranged in echelon. 'Ihis is done to avoid contact between the flared ends of adjacent switches and to provide more room for plugging.

The switch extensions 38, 4|, etc. arranged in six rows (Figs. 1 and 5) are provided for making plug connections to the brushes for length and multi-column control `of sorting'. Above these switch extensions is fixed a cover 44 with a platform on which there are assembled rows of insulation bushings 45 each formed with an opening 46 through which a plugging tip or blade 41 may be inserted and forced between the extensions 38 to establish electrical contact therewith. 'I'he plug wires 48 upon which the tips 41 are fixed are connected to sorting control magnets when length sorting control is desired, and other connections therefrom to relays are made effective when multi-column sorting control is sought as explained more fully with reference to the wiring diagram. Double bushings 45' may be provided to give access to multiple extensions 38 or 4| wherever needed'.

The other extensions 38 and 40 are used for making a single column selected connection for control of ordinary digit sorting. Cooperating with these staggered switch extensions 38 and 40 is a single column selection blade 48 (Figs. 1 and 6) which is movable to cooperate with any extension. In Fig. 1 it is seen that this column blade 48 is wide enough to engage with one pair of either of the pairs of extensions 38 and 46. A contact bar 5|! extends across the machine and is pivoted at 5| on the two side frames and urged to bear against blade 48 to carry current therethrough regardless of the position in which the selection blade may be placed.

V'I'he selection blade 48, when being changed in position from cooperation with one switch extension to another, must not, only be moved across the machine but it must be raised first to break the knife switch connection, and then shifted to the new position, and nally lowered into contact. 'Ihe blade is supported on a movable slide 25 which may be manipulated or automatically shifted across the machine.

Blade 48 (Figs. 1 and 6) is riveted to an insulation block 52 that is fastened to the slide 25 which is loosely mounted in the center of a shifting frame 53. This frame is cut out at the bot-` tom (Fig. 1) to straddle a rectangular bar l54 xed on the side frames. A hole is drilled horizontally through the upper part of frame 53 (Fig. 6) so that the frame may slide along, and be guided by, 'a worin 26 which passes therethrough in extending across the machine. When observed from above, as in the plan view, Fig. 5, the frame 53 is seen to be in the form of an I with the slide 25 confined between the ends of the frame. Viewing the slide 25 from the side (Fig. 1), it is apparent that it is substantially in the shape of an inverted U, the sides of which slide up and down the reduced section of frame 53.

The slide 25 and attached blade 48 are normally forced down into a contact making position by means of a pair of compression springs 55 pressing between a ledge 56 on slide 25 and a shoulder inside a recess cut into frame 53. When so depressed, a toothed rack section 51 on slide 25 is engaged With the threads on the worm 26. At. the same time a V shaped projection 58 on slide 25 is pressed down into an aligning notch 60 in an alignment bar 58 exand bar 58 serves to preventthe lowering of i blade 48 in any position other than the eighty switch closing positions wherein the blade is aligned with flared extensions 38 and 40.

Attached to the frame 53 is a pointer 6| which cooperates with a line of numerals (Fig. 5) on cover 44. These numerals are aligned with related brush and index point positions so that when the operator observes the position of the pointer 6|, he is able to determine the card column that is being analyzed for digit sorting control. The pointer is secured` to the frame at both ends and formed with a U shaped bridge passing around the slide 25 to free it for vertical movement. u

Frame 53 and slide 25 may be shifted in either of two ways; by grasping a ring 62 on slide 25` worm 26 and projection 58 is raised out of the notches 60. Then frame 53 is free to be moved along bar 54 and Worm 26 to any columnar position the operator desires. By watching the scale associated with pointer 6|, the proper position may be found before releasing the ring so that the slide 25 is pushed down by springs 55. Then blade 48 is forced into contact between a selected pair of extensions 38 Aor 40 as guided by projection 58.

Rotation of lever 21 and worm 26 in either direction also serves to shift the column selection unit. With this mode of control, however, the inverted U shaped path of travel of the unit is produced automatically, and the distance shifted is short, being from column to column, one column of movement for each revolution of arm 21. When rotated, the thread on worm 26 cooperates with the toothed section 51 to shift the entire unit. Worm 26 not only shifts the unit but it raises and lowers the unit so that blade '48 is automatically withdrawn upward out of extension 40 before moving to the right or left. This is brought about by the vertical movement of the entire Worm 26 in vertical slots in the main side frames, as caused by cams r63 on both ends of the worm, cooperating with roller 64 fixed to the frames. A steep cam face en cam 63 cooperates with roller 64 as soon as arm 21 is turned, so that the worm is lifted before it has rotated an appreciable amount. 'Ihe entire column selectooth section 51 islifted out of cooperation with the threads'on as the turning worm acts on the teeth of section 51. At theend of the revolution, the steep sided groove in cam 63 again cooperates with roller 64 to suddenly lower the worm and the unit. Thus, blade 49 is thrust down between the knife switch extensions of another column.

The worm construction and operation is dev scribed in greater detail in Patent 1,741,992.

Referring to Fig. 1, it is noted that a plurality of guide blades 4 are mounted across the tops of the several pockets and serve to form separate paths thereto. There are twelve such thin blades of varying lengths arranged in a compact pile shaped with pointed ends 5 at the common right end of the pile. The left end of the lowermost blade 4 is attached to and terminates at a bar 6. above the first or l2 pocket. A deiiector 65 is formed on the blade to guide the sorted cards down into the pocket 3. Bar 9 extends across the machine and is secured to4 the main side frames. .The left end of the next blade above the lowermost is attached to, and

'terminates at, a bar 1 above the 11 pocket.

All the other blades 4 of progressively greater lengths are attached above related pockets in a similar fashion. A card fed from the stack 5` moves between upper 'and lower guide plates 9 and I0. Normally, all of the guide blades 4 are held above the plane of the oncoming card 8 so that, unless they are lowered, the card will pass under all of the blades and drop into the 12 pocket. If the lowermost blade is lowered and all the other blades are heldin the upper position, the card will pass between the two lowest blades and be guided into the 1l pocket. The paths to all the other pockets are prepared in a similar way, by holding up the blade leading to the desired pocket, and all blades above it; and at theA same Vtime lowering all blades below it.

In Fig. 4 the dependent arrangement of the blades is clearly illustrated. There it is seen that if the l2 blade is held up, all the other blades are also raisedl because they depend on it. And if, for example, the 7 blade is held up, the dependent 8 and 9 blades are also raised while all others fall. If all the blades are lowered, the card will pass above the uppermost one and below a strip II which together form a path leading into the reject R pocket.

The pointed right end of each blade 4 (Fig. 4) tends to move downward, but is normally prevented from doing so by a supporting actuator or slide stem I2 which forms part of the sorting control unit shown in Figs. 10 and 11. There it is seen that the twelve stems I2 extend 'down into the unit wherein they are selectively held up .or allowed to fall under the control of sorting magnets SM which are in turn controlled by the perforations in the cards. l

r The sorting control unit, Fig. l, is supported on a base plate 68 fastened to the main base I by standards 69. Side frames 10 and 1| (Figs. 10 and 11) and rearframe 12 provide support for most of the devices in the unit. Six of the sorting magnets are mounted on a bracket 13 fastened to the frame 12, and the other six magnets are on a bracket 1 4 fastened to the plate 68. The magnets are divided into two groups and staggered in location, Fig. 10, to provide larger coils than would be possible with all twelve magnets in a row.

The magnets SM control the release of a set of twelve latches 15, Fig. 11, mounted on a common pivot 16. Each latch 15 is adapted to (Fig. 10) pinned to shaft 98.

.tion unit is lifted therewith and then shifted pass under a block 11 on a related stem |2 to prevent the lowering of the stem. The magy.

nets SM are each designed for the control of an' associated latch. Six of the latches have straight vertical ends 19 descending for control by the lower group of magnets, while the other six alternate latches have bent ends 19 reaching to the right for control by the upper set-of magnets. Springs tend to rock the latches to pass the top ends under blocks 11, but the latches are normally prevented from so moving because the ends 18 and 19 abut against arma- 4tures 8| and 82 associated withthe magnets.

However,v when a control magnet such as SM1 is energized, the armature 82 is attracted and rocked counterclockwise about the pivot 83 away from the stop rod 84 and end 19, to free the related latch 15 so that it may be positioned to hold up a stem I2.' y

The lower ends oi' the stems I2 slide 'freely between a bar =81 and a rod 88 fastened in the side frames. Near the upper end, two shafts 89 and 90 guide the stems. Springs 9| tend topull the stems down, but they are normally held up by a restoring member 92 which extends across the unit lunderneath the releasing and restoring blocks 93'fastened to the stems.

Member 92 is lowered late in each cycle, after the card has been-completely analyzed and after a latch 15 is tripped to hold up a selected stem I2. As member 92 descends, blocks 93 follow down, carrying the stems along therewith as urged byI springs 9|. Only those stems |2- with yblocks 11 .engaging the tops of tripped latches 15, will maintain the position shown in Fig. ll; all other stems are lowered and the blades 4, Fig. 4, resting on those stems will ben'd down at the pointed end to open a path under the raised blade 4 leading to the selected sorting pocket.v A stop block 95 on stem I2 strikes the top of bar 81 when the stem is lowered, and thus'serves to limit'the downward movement of the stem. v

The restoring member 92 actuated by a cam 96 (Fig. 11) mounted on a shaftI I3 carrying one of the Vcard feed rollers I1. This shaft makes one revolution in a counterclockwise direction during each cycle of operation o f the machine. Cooperating with vthe cam is a follower -arm 91 loosely fulcrumed on a shaft 98 which passes through the unit side frames 10 and 1|. The

follower is adjustably secured to shaft 98 byl means of a screw fastening 99 which attaches the arm to a member |00 carried-on a hub |0| V Member |00 is formed with a slot through which the screw 99 passes to make an adjustable connection between arm 91 and member ||00 whereby arm .91 may be inclined at a desired angle with respect t the restoring member 92 which is also secured to the shaft 98.' .1

Restoring shaft 98 turnsina pair of bushings |02, |03 fastened to theA unit side frames by means of large hexagonal nuts '104, |05. 'I'he portion of the shaft between the side frames is cut to form a semi-circular cross-sectional area against the flat edge of which, restoring member 92 is secured by screws |06. Follower arm 91 extends below the pivot and there carries a stud |01 to which is secured a spring |09 tending to rock it in acounterclockwise direction. This lower extension of follower 91 also acts as a limiting .stop in cooperation with the end of an adjustable screw A|09 extending from a. block -I I0 xedto the side frame 1l.

Late in each sorting cycle, cam 96 presents a depression under the end of the follower arm 491, permitting this arm to rock in a counterclockwise direction as urged by spring |08. The

ing blades and before the next card is sensed,-

a rising face on cam 86 Astrikes the end of the follower 91 and mocks it positively in a clockwise direction to lift member 92 and carry along therewith the blocks 83 and the attached stems 2 in an upward direction.

Immediately after the leading edge oi' the card is projected between the pointed ends of sorting blades 4, the latches 15 are restored to allow all lifted stems I2 to descend. This restoring operation is actuated by means of a cam H2 (Fig. 1) attached to the outer end of shaft |3. Cooperating with the cam is an arm H3 attached to a shaft 4 which extends through bushings mounted in the unit side frames 10 and 1|. A portion of the shaft H4 between the side frames is cut in a. semi-circular formation against the flat side of which is attached a restoring member I5 (Fig. 11) cooperating with the top ends of the latches 1,5. A spring ls (Fig. 1) attached to arm |||3 tends to rock the shaft H4 in a clockwise direction to place the end of arm ||3 incooperation with the surface of cam I2. An adjustable screw ||1 limits the clockwise motion of thearm H3 and shaft H4. 1

Late in each sorting cycle, directly after the leading edge of the card enters between the blades, a projection on cam H2 strikes the end of arm H3 and rocks it in a counterclockwise direction, rocking shaft ||4 and member ||5 (Fig. 11) along therewith to contact the sides of the upper end of latches 15, rocking them in a clockwise direction. The ends 18l 119 of latches 15 are then restored beyond the ends of the armatures 8| and l82. Frames v||8 ,and 9 are provided in cooperation with the ends of latches and the sides of the armatures to insure the restoration of these two parts to the normal abutting relationship. 'Ihe frames overcome the pull of any residual, magnetism which may tend tu hold the armatures away from ends 18, 1'9 and adjustable stops 84 and 85.

Another control unit is provided similar in appearance to the unit containing the sorting magnets. This unit (-Fig. 9) contains a set of twelve relays for controlling the operation of twelve contacts RCU-RCIZ which are used when sorting is lcontrolled forselecting certain multi-denominational number cards. The baseof this unit is an extension of the base `68 under the sorting unit. Upon the base is supported a pair of side frames 2|, |22 parallel with the side frames 10 and 1| of the other imit. 'I'he twelve relays RII-R12 are mounted in two groups in staggered formation similar to the mounting of the sorting magnets. The armatures |23 and |24 of these relays cooperate with the ends |25 and |26 of latches ||21 pivoted on rod I 23. These latches are similar in construction to the latches 15 described with respectvto Fig. 11. However, in connection with the relays these latches I 21 are used for another purpose. Attached to the lower end of each of the twelve latches |21 is an insulation stud |29 cooperating with the outer blade of a pair of contact blades comprising one of the sets of contacts RCIl-RCIZ. The blades of these contacts are mounted on an insulation block lso attached to the'base isa and heid be# tween the side frames |2| and |22. only six of the ends I 25 and latches |21 cooperate with armatures |23, six other such extensions are provided on the other six latches in order that a mounting placemay'be' provided for thev twelve insulation studs |29. When any of the relays are energized, the related amature is attracted and the associated latch |21 is released and permitted to rock in a coimterclockwise direction under the urging of spring |3|. This mo- Although tion carries the stud |29 away from the associated contact blades, allowing the related pairs of contacts to close. j

I'he contacts and operatinglatches |21 are restored by means of shaft I4 which extends from the sorting magnet unit over through the relay unit. Betweenthe side frames of the relay unit, shaft ||4 is cut vto form a fiat surface against which is xed a'restoring member |32 positioned to cooperate with the ends of latches |21. When this shaft is rocked in a counterclockwise direction at the end of a sorting cycle, lthe ends |25 and |26 of the latches are forced below the outer ends of the armatures s'o that the armatures may againresume their normal abutting relationship with the latches. At the same time studs |29 are forced to the left (Fig. 9) to open the contacts RCD-RCM. .l V.

A switchboard is provided for setting up a series of digit switches for selecting a predetermined number to control the multi-column card sorting selection. This switchboard also vcontains means :for setting controls to sort according to the lengthl of a name or number sensed on record cards. Referring to Fig. 7, it is seen that the lower part of the switchboard Acomprises a sheet of insulation |33 in which there is embedded a series of ten contact points |34 arranged in a zig-zag formation. Directly opposite each of the points |34 and on a horizontal line therewith is an associated contact point |35. The points |35 are joined by a wire or bar |36. Two other similar sets of points |31, |38. |39 and |40 are independent of the connection between points 25.

Directly above plate |33 yis mounted the top frame |4| of the board. 'I'his frame isspaced from the lower plate by sets of washers |43 which encircle screws |42 holding the upper and lower parts of the switchboard together.- The gered rows of holes through which protrude the manipulative circuit closing switch members |44. Each of these knob members may be made of insulation material and slotted to receive a metallic contact bridge or bar |45 (Fig. 8) adapted to bridge the space between the points |34, |35 on the lower plate |33. These lower contact points are formed with concave surfaces to receive a pair of points |46, |41 extending down from the contact member |45. A compression spring |48, conned within an opening fcut inside member |44, bears against -a shoulder on the contact bridge |45 and tends to press it down into cooperation with the points |34, |35; A pin |49 extends through the lower part of member |44 and through a vertical slot cut in contact member |45 to guide and limit the vertical motion of the metallic contact member within the body of the knob |44. The upper part of each manipuoperation with the contact points |34 and I 35. When the flattened end of a knob is in a vertical position (Fig. 7), the points of the related digit switch are open. When the flattened portion is in a horizontal position, such as the position of the 3 switch at the left in Fig. 7, this switch serves to form a connection between the selected one of the points |34 and the point |35 connected in series with other points |35. Fig. 8 also illustrates the position of one of the switches when in contact-making condition. In Fig. 7 it is noted that the ten switches related to a single series of digits 0 to 9 are found in two rows arranged in a staggered formation. This is done to make the board compact by saving the space `that would otherwise be occupied, should ten switches be placed in a straight row.

Above each set of ten digit switches are mounted two other switches for length and multi-column control associated with the same column. These special switches are constructed the same as the digit switches, the only difference being that they are wired to secure special control which is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the wiring diagram. The top multicolumn selection switch may be turned horizontally to close the space between contacts |31 and |38. The other length control switch may be twisted to bridge the space between points |39 and |40.

As shown in Fig. 7, the digit switches are set to select the number 386. This would serve to control the direction of any card perforated to represent 386 into the 12 pocket while other cards would be ydirected into other digitrepresenting pockets.

Referring to the wiring diagram in Fig. l2, it is noted that closure of the main switch S prepares the sorting devices for operation. Then, if the start key is depressed, a. circuit is established through the starting relay RA. The circuit may be followed from one main line 20|, through stop key contacts SP, contacts ST, relay RA, relay RB and over to the other main line 200. Relay RB immediately closes associated contacts |5I which complete a circuit through the sorting operating motor I5. The sorter then operates to feed the cards. As soon as the cards are fed, they operate the card lever 2I6 to close contacts 2I9 in shunt around the start contacts ST, so that the start key may be released and the machine will continue to run as long as cards pass the lever.

In ,preparing the devices for ordina-rir` digit control of sorting (i. e., where a single column is sensed, and cards with a 9 perforation in that column are sent into the 9 pocket, cards with 8 perforations are directed to the 8" pocket, etc.) the switches SWI and SW2 are closed as shown, and the column selection blade 48 is positioned to contact with the knife switch blades 88 or` 40 of the desired column sensing brush I4.

Then the cards are fed and sensed, and the sorting magnets SM are selectively energized according to the position of a perforation in a column of the card. Assuming that a 5 perforation is sensed to control sorting, the following circuit would then be established through the hole in the card; starting at line 200, the impulse passes through contact brush |53, contact roll 28, then to brush I4 through the hole in the card, knife switch 39, contact blade 49, common contact bale 50, wire |54. switch SWI, a selector brush 208, the "5 segment 204 which passes brush 208 at the instant, a common contact ring 203, wire |55, sorting magnet SM5, distributor wire |56, the 5 distributor segment |51, brush |59, wire |60, and switch SW2 to line 20|. In the same way, any of the other sorting magnets may be energized through one of the twelve lines |58 when the related distributor segment |51 is touched by` brush |59 at the same time that the associated selector-segment 204 is touched by brush 208 at the time when sensing brush I4 passes through a perforation. The energized sorting magnet (Fig. 11) then acts to trip latch 15 to lock a stem I2 which holds up all blades 4 above the one leading to the desired pocket.

The operating shafts I3 of the selector and 15 distributor (Fig. 12) coincide with the shaft I3 (Fig. 1) of the card feed, so that synchronism is maintained between the appearance of the various index p'oints at the three sensing controls. The selector (Fig. 12) is constructed as set forth in detail in Patent 1,741,985. Each of the segments 204 may be separately disconnected from the common contact ring 203 or engaged therewith as desired. This selective digit control makes it possible to avoid the sorting of certain digit representing cards, or the direction of certain cards to the reject pocket. When sorting for the ten digits only, the 1l and 12 segments 204 may be disconnected as shown.

The controls are adjusted for sorting according to the length of a name or number by plugging the tips 41 into the desired sensing sockets 38, shifting switch SWI to touch terminal |62, opening switch SW2, and closing all switches |45 (Figs. 7 and 8) in line with the designation Length on switchboard |4I to bridge al1 contact spots |39 and |40, Fig. 12. The tip 41 at the left with a wire 48' leading to the sorting magnet SMB may be plugged in at the left when name lengths such as those at the right in Figs. 2 and 3 are being considered. Then all one letter name cards are sent to the 9 pocket, all two letter cards are directed into the 8" pocket, etc. Since numbers extend to the left in length, Figs. 2 and 3, it is advisable to take the tip 41 connected with wire 48 and bring it over to the right of the number sensing brushes I4 so that it is connected with the units order brush. Then all the other plug wires are connected from right to left which is the reverse of the order in which they are shown in Fig.12, and the reverse of the order maintained for name length sorting. With such number length connections established, all single denominational number `cards will go to the 9 pocket, all cards with numbers of two denominations will go to the 8 pocket, etc.

It may be pointed out that, when sorting according to length, the placement of the perforations in the columns is of no moment, the main consideration being, hw many columns are perforated in any position.

Assuming a condition in length sorting, when a card with a four letter name is sensed, the following circuit may be traced; from line 200, through brush |53, roller 28, four brushes I4 at the left, sockets 38, tips 41 and four wires 48, spots |40, vfour switches |45, spots |39, four wires |63 leading to the four sorting magnets SMB, SM1, SMB and SM9, wire |55selector ring 203,

segments 204 and brush 208, switch SWI and 70 terminal |62 to line 20|. Although all four magnets trip the associated latches 15, Fig. 11, and lock up the related stems I2, the card will be directed to the 6 pocket because of the four blades 4 (Fig. 4) that are held up by the stems l2, the lowest blade, which is the one that opens a path to a pocket, is the 6 blade. In this fashion, length sorting is controlled by the energized magnet relating to the last letter of a name, or the highest denomination of a number.

Preparations are made to secure multi-column selection control of sorting by plugging a plurality of tips 41 to the sensing brushes |4 of the orders selected for exercising control. At the same time, the switch SW2 is closed and certain of the switches I 44, Fig. "I, are turned to the horizontal position to set up a number, or numbers, to control sorting. All the length switches |44 are turned oil, as. shown in Fig. '7, and the top row of Multi col switches to the right of the selected number representing switches, are turned on.

As shown in Figs. 7 and 12, a setting is made to sort cards perforated with the number 386 such as the card 8 in Fig. 2. If such perforations are encountered by the three plugged sensing brushes I4, a circuit is completed to the sorting magnet SM|2. Although in the example shown, the switches |45 at the left are set to represent the number 386 with the plug wire 48' extending to the brush sensing the highest orderdenomination column on the card, it is possible to set such a multi-column selection member at any other part of the switchboard, providing that the Multi col switches are closed in the top rowin all columns not used for number setting, and providing that the correct plug wires 48 are connected to the several brushes |4 which are effective because they cooperate with the perforated columns of the cards. For purposes of illustration it may be assumed thatthe number 388 is set up at the extreme left end of the switchboard. The circuit through the highest order multi-column relay R9 may be followed from line 200 through brush |53, roll 28, brush |4 sensing a 3 perforation, socket 38, tip 41, wire 48', relay magnet R9, contact bar |38, switch bridge 45 in the 3 position, point |34 on the 3 wire |56, 3 segment |51 on the distributor, brush |59, wire |60, and switch SW2 to line 20|. Relay R9, Fig. 9, then attracts the armature |23, and releases the latch |21 to permit the related contacts RC9 to close. The other two relays R8 and R1 (Fig. l2) are energized in a similar way when they sense the 8 and 6 perforations, respectively,and thereby act to close contacts RC8 and RC1. 'I'he closure of all three contacts RC9, RCB and RC1 is an indication that the number perforations in the card agree with the number set up on the switchboard, and the sorting magnet SM|2 is energized to open a path tolthe 12 pocket. Magnet SM|2 is made effective by a circuit including line 200, wire |65, contacts RCS, RC8 and RC1, switch bar |45 closed across points |31 and |38 to shunt contacts RCB, eight similarly closed switch bars 45 arranged in shunt around the unused relay contacts, wire |86,

magnet SM|2, wire |56, 12 distributor segment |51, brush |59, wire |60, switch SW2 and line 20|. Although other sorting magnets may be energized by an early completion of the series circuit through the relay contacts, this does not affect the correct multi-column sorting operation, because when the magnet SM|2 is energized it latches the stem |2, Fig. 4, which holds up the 12" blade 4 underlying all other blades. In effect, the r12 magnet SM|2 neutralizes the action of the other magnets so that the cards with the selected multi-column number representations are directed into the 12 pocket.

I'he aforementioned neutralizing action of the 12" magnet makes it possible to perform digit and multi-column sorting at the same time. All cards maybe sorted according to the digits in a selected column, at the same time that certain cards bearing a predetermined multi-denominational number are directed into the 12 pocket.

In order to control for combined digit and multi-column sorting, the machine. is set up as explained in connection with the selection of cards punched with the number 386, and in addition thereto the switch SW| (Fig. 12) is closed to line |54 and column selector blade 49 is moved to contact with a desired sensing brush |4. The digit control column selected may be aside from the multi-column perforations as the single column at the left in Fig. 2, .or it may be any of the columns containing the multi-column designations. Assuming that the digit column selected is'the units order column of the perforated area at the center of card 8, Fig. 2, i. e. the column containing a 6 perforation, a digit sorting control circuit may be traced as follows: from line 200 through brush |53, roll 28, the third brush |4 from the left passing through a 6 perforation, socket 39, blade 49, common contactor 50, wire |54, switch SWI, brush 208, 6 segment 204, ring 203, wire |55, magnet SMG, wire |56, "6 distributor segment |51, brush |59, wire |60, and switch SW2 to line 20|. Magnet SMS then trips the associated latch 15, Fig. 11, to lock up a stem I2 to prepare a path to the 6 pocket. However, at the same time that magnet SMS is energized through the 6 perforation, relay R1 is also energized to close. contacts RC1 and prepare part of the multi-column series connections to the 12 pocket. Whether the card goes to the digit selected 6 pocket or the multi-column selected 12 pocket depends on the agreement of the other perforations in the card with the setting on the switchboard. If the card agrees with the setting, then the magnet SM|2 is energized as explained hereinbefore and the 6 pocket selection is overcome by the l2 pocket selection and the card goes to the end pocket. However, should the card disagree in any column with the setting lof the multi-column switches, then the magnet SM|2 is not energized and the digit sorting selection prevails, the card going to the 6 pocket.

While there is disclosed the features of the invention Vas applied to a single modification it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated, and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims. Y

What is claimed is: 1. In a machine for sorting records having index point indicia in several columns, each column having a plurality of index point positions, means for sensing said columns of indicia, a plurality of circuits and relays, one for each column sensing means, a switchboard with sets of contact knobs, one set for each circuit and relay, each lof said sets having a common contact bar and a plurality of individual contact points, one for each index point, said knobs being adjustable to connect certain points to the bars, an impulse distributor for said circuits, a sorting magnet, and a series of relay contacts arranged in series with said magnet and closed by said relays when the recolrd indicia agrees with the data set up by the kno s.

2. In a machine for sorting records having indicia at index points in several columns, each column having a plurality of index point positions, a sorting control magnet, contacts connected in series with said magnet, means for shunting certain of said contacts, adjustable index point representing means associated with each of said contacts for setting up control data, means for sensing the index points of each column of indicia on a record, means undercontrol of said adjustable means and said sensing means for operating related contacts when there is an agreement, and means under control of said magnet when energized by the closure of all contacts other than the shunted contacts for sorting the records with indicia agreeing with the set control data.

3. In a machine for sorting records with multidenominational data represented by columns of digit indicia, a plurality of sensing means for sensing the columns of indicia, ten sorting pockets relating to the diierent digital indicia in a column, an extra sorting pocket for receiving records with a selected multi-denominational number, aseries of magnets, means under control of said magnets for opening paths to said ten pockets, an extra magnet, means under control of said extra magnet which is energized for closing the paths to said ten pockets and opening a path to said extra pocket, all of said path opening and closing means being located at a common path selecting station directly beyond the sensing means, means' for controlling the selective energization of said ten magnets under control of a selected one of saidv sensing means, means for setting up a multidenominational number, means for connecting a plurality of column sensing means to said setting means and to said extra magnet to control the energization thereof when the data on any record agrees therewith, whereby digital and multi-columnar control of sorting takes place simultaneously, the records with multi-denominational numbers agreeing with the number set up, all being directed into said extra pocket, while all other records are sorted digitally into said ten sorting pockets.

4. In a machine for sorting records with columns of indicia diierentially placed at index points in the columns, a set of sensing brushes, one for each column, a series of sorting pockets, a series of sorting control magnets, an impulse selector connected to said magnets and effective at index point positions in the cycle, means for selectively connecting said selector to one of said sensing brushes, means under control of said magnets for opening a path to one of said pockets according to the indicia sensed, an impulse distributor, parallel lines between said magnets and said distributor, said lines corresponding to the index points of the indicia, a series of relays, means for connecting each of said relays to a separate sensing brush, multi-column control switches for connecting each of said relays to one of parallel lines, a special sorting pocket, a magnet and means controlled thereby for opening a path to said special pocket, contacts in series with said magnet and operated by said relays when the sensed indicia in a plurality of columns correspond to the setting of the switches on the parallel lines.

5. A machine for sorting statistical records comprising an analyzing device including a row of analyzing elements each adapted to traverse one of the columns of the records to successively sense the index point positions to detect name or number designations placed in any of the co1- umns, sorting mechanism including sorter control elements adapted to selectively control sorting operations of said mechanism, means controlled by the analyzing elements for operating one or more of the control elements in accordance with the number of designated columns traversed by the analyzing device, and adjustable connections between said analyzing elements and said sorter control elements for selectively associating any of the control elements with analyzing elements traversing the columns at the right of the sensed columns or at the left of the sensed columns, whereby lengths of name data from left to right may be sensed, and lengths of number data from right to left may also be sensed.

6. In a machine for sorting records into a plurality of pockets according to the length and multi-columnar characteristics of data appearing thereon as indicia in a plurality of columns, means for sensing a plurality of the columns of indicia on the records, a series of sorting control magnets, electrical controls for causing said magnets to respond according to the length of data on the records, other electrical controls including means for setting up multi-column data lfor causing said magnets to respond according to the comparison of the sensed data with the data set up, means for connecting either of the electrical controls to said sensing means, means under control of said rst mentioned electrical controls and said magnets for sorting the records into different pockets according to the length of data thereon, and means under control of said other electrical controls and said magnets for sorting records with data agreeing with said setup data into one of said pockets.

7. In a machine for sorting'records according to digital and multi-columnar characteristics oi data represented thereon by indiciaA in a plurality of columns, a series of record receiving stations, a single line of indicia sensing brushes, one of which may be common to control for digit and 

